The formal total synthesis of dragmacidin B, trans-dragmacidin C, and cis- and trans-dihydrohamacanthins A

A facile formal total synthesis of dragmacidin B, trans-dragmacidin C, and cis- and trans-dihydrohamacanthins A is presented. Our approach to these bis(indole) alkaloids involves a one-pot, four-step cross-coupling/deprotection sequence where complete halogen selectivity is observed. A related approach to access the dihydrohamacanthins is also described.